The Hungry Bunny

I was recently invited to the media launch of Ethan's Gourmet , a boutique grocer of fine foods and produce. Just think of it as an amalgamation of Meidi-Ya and Jones the Grocer, but waaaaaaaay cheaper and notably exclusively curated. I love this place already! Its spartan brick-and-mortar shop couldn't be any more ulu-fied, but the good news is that they're about to launch an online site (by 15 April, I hear) on which to buy its wares.  Set up by a trio of enterprising retailers, who've close personal networks with Japanese suppliers, Ethan's Gourmet is thus able to pass on substantive savings to us as the end consumer. Here, Elaine and one of her partners are introducing Ethan's Gourmet to us food bloggers at the media launch. A personal nugget: she'd apparently named the store after her beloved son! Aww... Only kobe, kagoshima and tajima wagyu beef are sold here, and I note that the meats about 20% cheaper than at Meidi-Ya. Being one of the ve

Known for seamlessly fusing east-and-west flavours, Bacchanalia 's food is inventive and harmonious. The tapas-portioned, artfully-plated food should have been an unwelcome assault on my finely-tuned pretentious sensor, but the warm amiable staff and relaxed congenial vibe of the gorgeous restaurant were the very antithesis of what should have been a stuffy, formal dinner affair. As aforementioned, service was faultless, the lovely staff were attentive but unobtrusive. They'd taken care to eliminate all parsley/coriander/cilantro from all dishes, and explained every single dish in detail. I particularly liked that the chef made periodic appearances to personally elaborate on his creations. Because parking is so limited, I'd suggest getting your car valeted; it's only $10, and it saves a lot of hassle (and time) going round in circles finding a viable, non-fine-able lot.  A great way to sample Bacchanalia 's signatures is to order either of the 2 the set meal

Portobello Fajitas make for a quick and easy vegetarian supplement to any meal. Red, green and yellow peppers are tossed in together for a riot of colours. Ingredients (feeds 4-6): 10 large portobellos, sliced thickly 3 tbsp olive oil 1 red pepper, sliced thinly 1 green pepper, sliced thinly 1 yellow pepper, sliced thinly 1 large onion, sliced thinly 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp cayenne Salt to taste Directions: 1) Fry onions in olive oil till soft and transluscent, about 3 minutes on medium-high heat. 2) Add peppers, and fry for another 2 minutes. 3) Add mushrooms and fry on high heat until water released evaporated. 4) Add cumin, garlic, coriander, cayenne.  5) Salt to taste before serving.

I don't know why I took this long to hit up inITALY , but I figure, better late than never, eh? A friend had been bugging me to try the Italian ristorante, and, oh boy, did it live up to the hype. Here at this cosy eatery, honest-to-goodness fare is executed with aplomb, highlighting the impossibly fresh produce. I particularly liked how the rustic and hearty is effortlessly balanced with refinement. Service could do with a jolt of energy, but it hit all the right buttons on professionalism, attentiveness and friendliness. Our water glasses were rarely left parched for long, my request to hold off any parsley was attended to, and the wait staff periodically checked in. Reservations are a must, especially if you want to sit in the constrained indoors. Even though it'd rained earlier in the day, we were still perspiring through dinner. A must-try if you're a fan of this cheese, the Burrata ($28) was set against silky ribbons of salty parma ham, peppery rucola, juicy he

International Plaza is practically an icon of the old downtown business commercial district. While the building houses many business enterprises, its first floor is occupied mostly by hole-in-the-wall food stalls. Many open right in early morning to accommodate office workers and close up shop by mid afternoon when they sell out after the lunch hour. Earth Kitchen, which sells prawn noodles and mixed economy dishes, offers one of the better fried noodles around.  The Beehoon-Mee with Fried Luncheon Meat, Fishcake and Fish Fillet ($3.50) boasted decent wok hei and flavour. Of note was the punchy fragrant sambal. The stall facade for reference Earth Kitchen 10 Anson Road #01-46 International Plaza